Water heater

ABSTRACT

A demand type water heater incorporates a closed chamber having a water inlet and a water outlet. The chamber houses a pair of concentric conical electrodes arranged in spaced relation to define a water flow path therebetween. One electrode is fixed while the other is arranged for axial movement relative to the first to adjust the spacing therebetween. A rotary thermostat coil is arranged adjacent the chamber outlet for measuring the temperature of the water flowing from the outlet and manipulates a mechanism for automatically adjust the electrode spacing to control the termperature of the water delivered from the chamber. The mechanism includes a pulley rotated by the thermostat and connected to the movable electrode by a flexible linkage which converts the rotary motion of the pulley into linear axial movement of the movable electrode.

O United States Patent 1191 1111 3,809,856 Wills May 7, 1974 WATER HEATER 423,507 1/1926 Germany 219/288 Inventor: Robert E. Wins, San t o ex 481,522 6/1953 Italy 219/29] [73] Assignee: Richard R. Wynn, Palm Beach, Fla.

I Przmary Examiner-A. Bartrs [22] Ffledi Oct 20, 1972 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Donald Gunn [2]] Appl. No.: 299,296

[52 u.s.c1 219/286, 219/289, 219/291, ABSTRACT 338/83, 219/295 [51] Int. Cl. H05b 3/60 A demand yp water heater incorporates a Closed [58] Field of Search 219/284-295, chamber having a Water inlet and a water Outlet The g g 27147 333 3 chamber houses a pair of concentric conical electrodes arranged in spaced relation to define a water 5 References Ci flow path therebetween. One electrode is fixed while UNITED STATES PATENTS the other is arranged for axial movement relative to the first to adjust the spacing therebetween. A rotary mamouldes et thermostat coil is arranged adjacent the chamber out- 3l44546 8/1964 531;; 219/289 let for measuring the temperature of the water flowing 2:572:33? 10/1951 Harris :1: 219/285 from the Outlet and manipulates a mechanism for 1,730,016 10/1929 Rudd 219/285 x tomatically adjust the electrode Spacing to Control t 1,706,146 3/1929 Davidsen 219 293 X termperature of the water delivered from the cham- 1,648,588 11/1927 Nerew 219/285 ber. The mechanism includes a pulley rotated by the 2,387,103 10/1 5 Wicks 2 /2 3 X thermostat and connected to the movable electrode by 2,673,281 3/1954 y----- 219/290 X a flexible linkage which converts the rotary motion of 891,254 6/I908 Hlll 219/291 the pulley into linear axial movement of the movable 2,403,334 7/1946 Blanchard 219/285 electrode FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,033,336 4/1953 France 219/291 8 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures v i z r; 4 I8 *v 48 I I i\ 1 i r l 47 1 I e l ,,2 25

l gK"\Q\Q\\)Q\Q:Q\\e:\e\a\kfiii 40 W 44- L H H I I I I I I I I I PATENTED HAY 1974 FIG] FIG.2

WATER HEATER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Water heaters are required in most homes, apartments, and in many businesses. The amount of fuel required for a water heater may vary depending on the demands of the heater. The amount of fuel required is also dependent on the storage capacity of the heater and the time required to heat a charge of cold water. Gas heaters, typically, utilize a gas fired heater arranged adjacent to a coiled heat exchanger. This method of heating water requires considerable time to bring the cold water up to the required level. Because of this time interval, an adequate supply of hot water is maintained only through the use of a large storage tank. A thermostat regulates the temperature in the tank, and even though the tank may be well insulated, it may be wasteful to maintain the tank at an elevated temperature because of heat losses from the container, especially when no hot water is used over a period of several hours.

Electric water heaters have also been deficient in this regard. Most electric water heaters on the market utilize resistance wire heaters where a current is passed through a resistive wire. The current heats the wire which in turn heats the water. Because of the time lag, a large storage tank must also be incorporated in resistive wire electric water heaters which, again, is inefficient because the container suffers heat losses even though no hot water is required.

The device of the present invention is a measurable improvement over the water heaters described above. It particularly serves as a demand water heater in that the amount of water heated and stored is held to a minimum. Instead of maintaining forty or fifty gallons of heated water for a typical home, the storage tank is measurably smaller and the resulting heat losses are reduced to only a small percentage. This device provides quicker response when a substantial quantity of water is removed from the water heater compared to competitive devices which have a relatively slow response or recovery time. The device finds application in motels, hotels, and hospitals. If a room is unoccupied, no fuel is used. By contrast, commercial systems currently used are unresponsive to a change in occupancy, and fuel is consumed continuously to maintain the stored water at elevated temperatures. No mechanism exists by which a change in the operation of a large boiler can be tailored to demand. In a large building, the boiler may be several hundred feet from a hot water tap. The time lag is sizable in obtaining hot water. Large buildings have solved this problem by circulating hot water through a complex multi-pipe distribution system which is quite expensive. The present invention avoids this type of expensive equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is summarized as including a closed insulated vessel having an inlet and an outlet. In the vessel, a pair of conic electrodes are positioned, one being fixed and the other being movable toward and away from the fixed electrode. The electrodes are arranged with respect to the flow of water through the device such that the water is directed between the electrodes. The electrodes cause currents to flow through the water which heats the water directly. The

water then flows out of the device, flowing past a thermostat. The thermostat manipulates the electrodes through a means which adjusts the position of the electrodes to thereby control the current flow and extent of heating. The mechanism or means includes a pair of spaced pulleys which support a flexible drive member engaged with them. One pulley is rotated by the thermostat to draw the flexible member and rotate the sec- 0nd pulley mounted on a shaft. The flexible member is connected to a transverse brace connected to one of the electrodes which is moved toward or away from the other electrode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view through the water heater of the present invention illustrating the relationship of the pair of conic electrodes and the thermostat mechanism for positioning the electrodes to heat water; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2 2 of FIG. 1 illustrating in detail a mechanism for connecting the thermostat to the movable electrode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings, the numeral 10 identifies the electric water heater of the present invention. It incorporates an inlet pipe 11 connected to a insulated vessel 12 which has an outlet 13. The vessel 12 is preferably cylindrical, and can be approximately one foot in length and perhaps one foot in diameter. The dimensions de.- scribed will normally suffice for a fairly large home supply. The vessel 12 is preferably formed of lined or insulated material such as a plastic formed into the desired shape. In the alternative, bonded materials can be used, such as a metal container which has a nonconductive insulative layer on the interior. The pipes 11 and 13 are preferably insulated from the pipes to which they will be connected. Suitable and appropriate grounding straps are used as a means of protecting against accidental shorts.

The interior of the vessel 12 incorporates a circular support or guide 14 which provides a circular support for a movable electrode 15. The guide 14 is supported in the vessel 12 by a transverse support at the bottom and a similar support 54 at the top. The support 54 is perforated at 55 to permit water flow through it. The electrode 15 is conic in section having an exterior surface which matches the inner surface of a fixed electrode 16. The electrode 16 is a similar conic but is somewhat larger to receive the smaller electrode within it. The facing surfaces of the electrodes 15 and 16 are similar in size and contour. The electrodes are mounted so that they come close together, but do not touch. The movable electrode moves away from the fixed electrode to increase the gap between the two electrodes for reasons which will be described. The electrodes are preferably fabricated of a conducting material, preferably copper or a copper coated metal. While the wall thickness is not critical, it should be sufficient to provide structural rigidity to the electrodes. The electrodes extend a substantial portion of the length of the vessel.

The fixed electrode 16 is supported by a protruding flange at its smaller end and a smaller flange 18 at the opposite end. The flanges are connected to the side wall of the vessel 12. While it is not essential that the flanges prevent entry of water behind the electrode 16,

it is desirable that the flow on the back side of the electrode 16 be held to a minimum. The heating to be described occurs between the electrodes, so flow on the back side of the electrode 16 past the flanges is considered undesirable. The flanges are preferably solid members which prevent flow of water past them.

. A pair of fixed brackets 21 are near one end of the tank 12. A shaft supported between the upstanding brackets 21 supports a pulley 22 mounted for rotation about the shaft and rotated by aflexible member 23. The member 23 moves the electrode in the manner to be described.

- The movable electrode 15 has an internalflange 25 at its smaller end which extends inwardly to a point to engage the guide 14. It is not necessary that the flange extend further inwardly except sufficiently to engage the guide. Preferably, the flange is circular to co-act with the guide to thereby center and position the smaller end of the movable electrode 15. A flange 26 at the wider end of the electrode 15 extends inwardly to engage the guide 14. The flange 26 also incorporates a webbing member 57 which spans the space inside the guide 14 by extending through a pair of slots 56. It is I in near proximity to the flexible member 23 and is connected thereto at 58 as better-shown in FIG. 2. It will be observed that the flexible member in connected to the member 57, and the movable electrode 15 is fixed and guided by the two flange plates described. It moves in a continuing concentric relationship about the guide 14.

As described to this juncture, the apparatus provides a fixed electrode within the vessel 12 and a means for moving the second electrode with respect to the fixed electrode. The electrode 15 is moved by a freely moving pulley 28 shown in FIG. 2 which is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft 29. The shaft 29 is shown in FIG. 1 extending across a substantial portion of the vessel 12. At its right hand end, it is supported in bearing assembly. At its left hand end, it is connected to a bimetallic coil 30 through a hub 32 and to a hand crank 31. The bi-metallic coil 30 serves as a thermostat which coils or uncoils dependent on water temperature to rotate the pulley 28. It is bathed in the flow of water from the tank 12 by positioning a housing 27 about the spring. It has several turns, and is connected at one end to a hand crank 31 through hub 32. The hand crank 31 extends from the vessel and is exposed for hand manipulation or adjustment. The hand crank 31 preferably passes through a suitable seal and connects with the thermostat coil 30 through hub 32. The hand crank 31 preferably is limited by friction on rotation so that it does not rotate too easily. It thus serves as a fixed support for one end of the thermostat coil 30 and the hub 32.

The shaft 29 is fixed in location, but is free to rotate by changes made at crank 31.

The pulley 28 is attached to the right end of the thermostat coil 30, the former turning independently on the axle 29. The left end of the thermostat coil 30 is limited in elongation by the rotatable hub 32. Changes in temperature affecting the thermostat coil 30 rotate the free pulley 28, thus varying position of the movable electrode 15 without rotation of the axle 29. Increases or decreases of water temperature are made by mechanically'changing the position of the thermostat coil 30. This is achieved by rotating the crank 31, which in turn rotates the axle which is connected by the hub 32 to the thermostat coil 30 which is in turn connected to the pulley 28. The thermostat coil 30 responds to the temperature of the water. As it becomes heated, the bimetallic coil tends to straighten out and the numberof turns is therefore reduced. As the number of turns is reduced, the pulley 28 is rotated. As it becomes colder, the number of turns increases, and rotation in the op posite direction occurs. When the pulley 28 rotates, the movable electrode 15 is moved linearly either towards or away from the electrode 16. If desired, the bi-metal thermostat coil can rotate a potentiometer in a wheatstone bridge arranged where the unbalance drives change in temperature. Other power multiplying systems may be used.

The electrode 15 is first positioned at a desired point by manipulation of the hand crank 31. It will be appreciated that the thermostat coil 30 transfers rotation from the hand crank 31 to the pulley 28. As this rotation occurs, the electrode 15 is moved to the desired position.

A pressure responsive switch 44 is actuated by a drop in pressure in the tank 12. The pressure switch 44 is preferably located in near proximity of the inlet 11. When a valve downstream from the water heater is opened, pressure will drop at the inlet 11. Thus, when a valve downstream from the water heater is opened, pressure will drop in the tank 12 and the drop is sensed by the pressure switch 44. The pressure switch 44 is contacted by a terminal 45 which completes a circuit. The circuit is completed by the terminal 45 to apply electrical power to the electrodes 15 and 16. A power source 48 connected to a conductor 47 supplies power to the terminal 45. The switch 44 is connected to a conductor 46 which extends into the tank 12 through a leak-proof fitting 49. The other conductor is supplied through a leak-proof fitting 50 to the movably electrode 15. Electrical conductors extend from the exte rior through the wall of the container or vessel 12 and connect with the two electrodes 15 and 16. The wiring is insulated at all points so that only the electrodes provide a conductive path. The inlet 11 is extended by a perforated tubing 43 which receives a plunger 40 mounted on a push rod 41 which moves the terminal 45. A spring 42 tends to close the tank to inflow until the pressure drops.

In operation, the device consumes no power when there is no demand for water. If no water is needed for hours, or even days, there is no current flow through 1 the device and its operating cost is nil. There is no need to insulate the vessel 12 against heat loss, because. it is not a hot water storage tank. When hot water is required, a valve is opened downstream of the device and the pressure drop is sensed by the pressure switch 44 contacted by the terminal 45. The pressure switch 44 applies electric power to the electrodes. Water flows from the inlet 11 through the gap between the electrodes. Water cannot pass on the outside of the two electrodes by virtue of the flanges which are preferably solid and prevent flow on the outside. Flow on the inside of the electrode 15 is likewise prevented through the use of the solid guide 14 which closes the space in the electrodes. Thus, water is directed between the two electrodes and then flows past the thermostat and out the outlet 13. The entirety of the thermostat 30 is bathed in the heated water.

The flow of current between electrodes is somewhat dependent on the ionization of the water which is somewhat dependent on the dissolved gasses in the water, the hardness of the water, the amount of chlorination, and numerous other factors. Current flow is' sustained between the two electrodes and is sufficient to elevate the temperature of the water. The current flow elevates the temperature of the water which is sensed by the thermostat coil 30. The thermostat coil 30 adjusts the spacing of the two electrodes. This varies the resistive value of the water between the two electrodes and to this extent, varies the current flow and consequently the heat delivered to the water.

When the device first betins operation, the electrodes are relatively close, but not in contact. This permits a substantial current flow, and the water flowing between the electrodes is heated to a high level rapidly. This is desirable because when the water flow is initiated, all of the water in the vessel, the pipes and equipment are all at room temperature. Should the water be left on for several seconds, or even several minutes, the various components are heated and all the water downstream from the electrodes is heated. The electrodes are separated somewhat, tending to reduce the current flow, but still maintaining an outlet stream of heated water at an elevated temperature. The initial heating surge causes the thermostat to readjust the location of the electrode so that the water flowing thereafter is still warmed to approximately the same level since it is no longer necessary to heat up the pipes and connected equipment.

The device is adjustable in case changes in dissolved components, chemical additives, or other factors change the ionization. The device tends to keep calcium carbonate and other dissolved minerals in solution, and prevents their plating out on the internal component due to perhaps improved solubility. This avoids the tea kettle" effect which can be very damaging to water heaters which boil the water.

The foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Numerous alterations and variations can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention which is determined by the claims which are appended hereto.

I claim:

1. A water heating device comprising:

a vessel having an inlet and outlet;

a first surface electrode positioned in said vessel;

a second electrode positioned in spaced relation to said first electrode and movable toward and away from said first electrode to vary the spacing therebetween, the space therebetween being adapted to be filled with water to be heated by current flow between said first and second electrodes;

a circuit means for supplying electrical current to said first and second electrodes when hot water is demanded from the device;

a rotatable shaft in said vessel;

a pulley rotatably mounted on said shaft;

a flexible member engaged with said pulley and connected to said second electrode for moving the same toward and away from said first electrode in response to rotation of said shaft and pulley;

rotary thermostat means exposed to the temperature of water in said vessel and connected at one end to said shaft and at its other end to said pulley for imparting rotation to said pulley in response to the temperature of the water acting on said thermostate means;

means for rotating said shaft for positioning said first and second electrodes at a selected and specified beginning spacing therebetween;

pressure responsive means for detecting a drop in pressure at the outlet of said vessel;

said circuit means being operated by said pressure responsive means for selectively controlling electric current supplied to said electrodes;

means for directing water flow from said inlet toward said outlet and in the vicinity of said electrodes for heating by electric current flowing in the water between the electrodes; and,

guide means for controlling movement of said second electrode toward and away from said first electrode.

2. The structure of claim 1 said means for directing water flow including flanges adjacent to said electrodes for directing water flow between said electrodes.

3. The structure of claim 1 including a means positioning the second of said electrodes in position spaced from the first electrode.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a second pulley in said vessel fixed relative to said first pulley and said flexible member being engaged with both pulleys and connected to said second electrode f0 movement thereof.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further including mounting means for supporting said second pulley a fixed distance from said first pulley.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrodes are concentric conics.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrodes have complimentary facing surfaces which are con centrically arranged.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotary thermostat means is a coiled bi-metal which rotates on change of temperature. 

1. A water heating device comprising: a vessel having an inlet and outlet; a first surface electrode positioned in said vessel; a second electrode positioned in spaced relation to said first electrode and movable toward and away from said first electrode to vary the spacing therebetween, the space therebetween being adapted to be filled with water to be heated by current flow between said first and second electrodes; a circuit means for supplying electrical current to said first and second electrodes when hot water is demanded from the device; a rotatable shaft in said vessel; a pulley rotatably mounted on said shaft; a flexible member engaged with said pulley and connected to said second electrode for moving the same toward and away from said first electrode in response to rotation of said shaft and pulley; rotary thermostat means exposed to the temperature of water in said vessel and connected at one end to said shaft and at its other end to said pulley for imparting rotation to said pulley in response to the temperature of the water acting on said thermostate means; means for rotating said shaft for positioning said first and second electrodes at a selected and specified beginning spacing therebetween; pressure responsive means for detecting a drop in pressure at the outlet of said vessel; said circuit means being operated by said pressure responsive means for selectively controlling electric current supplied to said electrodes; means for directing water flow from said inlet toward said outlet and in the vicinity of said electrodes for heating by electric current flowing in the water between the electrodes; and, guide means for controlling movement of said second electrode toward and away from said first electrode.
 2. The structure of claim 1 said means for directing water flow including flanges adjacent to said electrodes for directing water flow between said electrodes.
 3. The structure of claim 1 including a means positioning the second of said electrodes in position spaced from the first electrode.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a second pulley in said vessel fixed relative to said first pulley and said flexible member being engaged with both pulleys and connected to said second electrode for movement thereof.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further including mounting means for supporting said second pulley a fixed distaNce from said first pulley.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrodes are concentric conics.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrodes have complimentary facing surfaces which are concentrically arranged.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotary thermostat means is a coiled bi-metal which rotates on change of temperature. 